Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · Bird Photography

Identify this bird?

Discussion

7 replies
Posted by Patrick O'Healy on July 1, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Identify this bird?
Taken 7/1/12 at Bolsa Chica Wildlife Preserve in Huntington Beach, CA

My hunch is that it is a juvenile, but am unable to determine what he is. He was larger than a Semi-palmated Plover, we saw earlier, an d he has webbed feet. Several "Birders" who happened by were stumped as well.
Posted by Richard Ditch on July 1, 2012 at 5:12 PM
Definitely a juvie tern. What species nest there?
Posted by Mia McPherson on July 1, 2012 at 5:24 PM
I would say juvie Forster's Tern because of the mask shape and the dark tipped bill
Posted by SandyRichardsBrown on July 1, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Very beautiful little juvie! Lots of Forster's, so Mia is probably right.
Sandy
Sandy
Posted by Patrick O'Healy on July 1, 2012 at 8:39 PM
There are nests for Caspian, Common,Elegant, Royal, Forster's and Least Terns, Skimmers, Willets, Marbled Godwits, etc. Thank you Richard, Sandy and Mia for your feedback. Several birders who stopped by were completely stumped.
Posted by Keith Bauer on July 1, 2012 at 10:15 PM
Hi Patrick. Here is a link to a shot I took about a year ago at Bolsa Chica. It is a juvi Forsters tern. I photographed the mom feeding it so I know for sure. Looks like your shot is definitely a Forsters.

http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=177908&CGISESSID=8191eca8ada1c4c7ad6c05e7a3cdd674&u=28338
Posted by Eric Stogner on July 2, 2012 at 12:51 AM
Forester tern.
Posted by Nick Baldwin on July 2, 2012 at 9:38 AM
I concur that it is juvenile Forster's Tern. The cinnamon bars are a sign particularly in July-August. Nice shot.